If you’re ready to swap your office view for windswept coastlines, rolling hills, or ancient forests, then it’s time to hit the road in a campervan. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time vanlifer, the UK is bursting with stunning routes to explore – from the rugged Highlands to the charming coastlines of Cornwall. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best UK road trips for quirky campers, complete with estimated times, campsite suggestions, hidden gems, eateries, and top stops. Everything you need to plan your ultimate UK road trip all in one place!

Why the UK is an Amazing Place for Road Trips

From the narrow, hedge-lined lanes of the English countryside to the sweeping mountain passes of the Scottish Highlands, the UK is uniquely suited to road trips, especially by campervan. It may not boast the scale of the American highways, but what the UK lacks in size, it makes up for in variety and character. You can drive from coast to coast in a matter of hours and experience a surprising range of landscapes, cultures, and accents along the way.

The relatively short distances between major points of interest mean you can pack a lot into even a long weekend. Historical landmarks, remote beaches, UNESCO heritage sites, quaint villages, and vibrant cities are all within reach. And because the UK has a rich camping and caravanning culture, there’s no shortage of scenic and well-equipped campsites to pull into for the night.

A campervan offers the perfect blend of freedom and comfort, you can chase the sunshine, stay off the beaten path, and wake up with a sea view or under a canopy of trees. Whether you’re craving adrenaline-fuelled hikes, peaceful paddles on hidden lakes, or simply the joy of a pub lunch in the middle of nowhere, the UK is a playground for curious and quirky travellers alike.

BEST UK ROAD TRIPS

Road Trip Name	Distance (mi/km)	Time to Drive	Recommended Duration	Est. Fuel Cost	Start – End Points	Highlights	Best Time To Go
North Coast 500 (Scotland)	516 mi / 830 km	13–16 hrs	5–7 days	~£170	Inverness – Inverness (loop)	Scottish Highlands, lochs, castles, beaches	May–September
Atlantic Highway (A39)	125 mi / 200 km	4–5 hrs	2–4 days	~£42	Barnstaple – Newquay	Cornwall coast, surf spots, Tintagel Castle	Spring or early Autumn
Causeway Coastal Route	120 mi / 190 km	3–5 hrs	2–3 days	~£40	Belfast – Derry	Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, castles, coast	May–September
Snowdonia to Anglesey	90 mi / 145 km	3–4 hrs	2–3 days	~£30	Betws-y-Coed – Holyhead	Snowdonia National Park, beaches, Menai Bridge	Spring–Autumn
Yorkshire Dales & Moors Loop	150 mi / 240 km	5–6 hrs	3–4 days	~£50	Harrogate – Whitby – back	Rolling hills, Whitby Abbey, market towns	All year
The Lake District Loop	112 mi / 180 km	4–5 hrs	3–4 days	~£37	Windermere – Keswick – Ullswater	Scenic lakes, hiking, Beatrix Potter attractions	Late Spring–Autumn
Cotswolds Romantic Route	90 mi / 145 km	3–4 hrs	2–3 days	~£30	Oxford – Cheltenham – Stratford-upon-Avon	Honey-stone villages, gardens, historic sites	Year-round
Peak District Explorer	85 mi / 135 km	3–4 hrs	2–3 days	~£28	Bakewell – Castleton – Buxton	Caves, walks, gritstone edges, cycle trails	Spring–Autumn
South Downs Scenic Drive		3–4 hrs	2–3 days	~£33	Winchester – Eastbourne	Rolling chalk hills, Seven Sisters cliffs, vineyards	Late Spring–Summer
Hadrian’s Wall Route	80 mi / 130 km	3–4 hrs	2–3 days	~£26	Carlisle – Newcastle	Roman ruins, museums, walking trails	Spring–Autumn
Isle of Skye Adventure	100 mi / 160 km	3–5 hrs	3–4 days	~£33	Skye Bridge – loop around the island	Fairy Pools, Quiraing, coastal views	May–September
Norfolk Coast Path Drive	85 mi / 135 km	3–4 hrs	2–3 days	~£28	King’s Lynn – Cromer	Salt marshes, birdwatching, seaside towns	Spring–Autumn

Note – The fuel estimates are based on an average campervan consuming 30 mpg (9.4 litres/100km) and UK fuel prices of £1.50 per litre.

1. North Coast 500, Scotland

Estimated Time: 5–7 days
Distance: Approx. 516 miles

Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the NC500 is a breathtaking loop starting and ending in Inverness. Expect wild landscapes, winding single-track roads, lochs, and castle ruins.

Top Campsites:

• Clachtoll Beach Campsite – Right on the beach, perfect for wild swims.
• Sango Sands Oasis – Stunning cliff-top views in Durness.

Must-See Stops:

• Bealach na Bà Pass – Not for the faint-hearted, but worth it.
• Smoo Cave – A massive sea cave with a mysterious underground waterfall.
• Dunrobin Castle – Fairytale vibes with falconry displays.

Hidden Gems:

• The Wailing Widow Falls – Tucked away near Unapool, it’s a short walk to an epic photo spot.
• Achmelvich Bay – A white sand beach that feels more Caribbean than Caledonian.

Where to Eat:

• The Seafood Shack (Ullapool) – Award-winning, locally caught seafood.
• The Pie Shop (Lochinver Larder) – Unique pies like venison and cranberry.

Campervans for Hire:

• Hector The Hero – Ardgay
• Juno – Edinburgh

2. The Wild Atlantic Way, Northern Ireland (Causeway Coastal Route)

Estimated Time: 3–5 days
Distance: Approx. 120 miles

Though technically the Irish section stretches much further, the Northern Irish coast offers a compact but jaw-dropping drive. Starting in Belfast and ending in Derry, it’s a short but mighty route.

Top Campsites:

• Ballyness Caravan Park – Immaculate, quiet, and ideal for the Giant’s Causeway.
• Cushendun Camping – Small but picturesque, right near the coast.

Must-See Stops:

• Giant’s Causeway – Naturally occurring basalt columns that look like they’re from another world.
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – A shaky but thrilling walk.
• The Dark Hedges – Game of Thrones fame, haunting and beautiful.

Hidden Gems:

• Ballintoy Harbour – A peaceful and scenic village harbour.
• Kinbane Castle – Less visited, but equally dramatic cliffside ruin.

Where to Eat:

• Harry’s Shack (Portstewart) – Seafood with unbeatable views.
• Ursa Minor Bakehouse (Ballycastle) – Artisan bread and dreamy pastries.

3. The Cotswolds, England

Estimated Time: 3–4 days
Distance: Approx. 100 miles

For a slower, more quaint trip, the Cotswolds is all rolling hills and honey-stone villages. Great for antique lovers, foodies, and anyone who appreciates a slower pace.

Top Campsites:

• Cotswold View Caravan & Camping Park – Well equipped and peaceful.
• Hidcote Manor Farm Campsite – Rustic charm, walking distance to the gardens.

Must-See Stops:

• Bibury – Often called England’s prettiest village.
• Bourton-on-the-Water – The Venice of the Cotswolds.
• Sudeley Castle – History lovers, this one’s for you.

Hidden Gems:

• Snowshill Manor – Quirky collection of oddities in a gorgeous setting.
• Chedworth Roman Villa – Ancient ruins tucked into a wooded valley.

Where to Eat:

• The Wild Rabbit (Kingham) – Upscale pub with farm-to-table ethics.
• The Potting Shed (Crudwell) – Cosy pub with brilliant seasonal food.

4. Snowdonia and the North Wales Coast

Estimated Time: 4–6 days
Distance: Approx. 130 miles

This trip is a perfect mix of mountain majesty and coastal charm. Ideal for outdoor lovers with hiking boots and paddleboards stashed in the van.

Top Campsites:

• Shell Island – Possibly the largest campsite in the UK, right on the beach.
• Llyn Gwynant Campsite – Lakeside camping with kayak rentals.

Must-See Stops:

• Mount Snowdon – Hike it or take the train, either way, it’s a must.
• Portmeirion Village – A surreal Italian-style village on the Welsh coast.
• Harlech Castle – Dramatic and perched right by the sea.

Hidden Gems:

• Aber Falls – Lesser-known waterfall with lush walks.
• Beddgelert Village – Idyllic village with a heart-tugging legend.

Where to Eat:

• The Marram Grass (Newborough) – Inventive food in a quirky setting.
• Pete’s Eats (Llanberis) – Huge portions and hiker-friendly prices.

5. Cornwall Coast Adventure

Estimated Time: 5–7 days
Distance: Approx. 200 miles

Think surfboards, cream teas, smugglers’ coves, and golden beaches. The Cornish coast is pure magic, especially from the comfort of your campervan.

Top Campsites:

• Trevedra Farm – Near Land’s End, sea views and facilities.
• Treen Farm Campsite – Cliff-top camping near the famous Minack Theatre.

Must-See Stops:

• St Ives – Art, beaches, and great pasties.
• Tintagel Castle – Legendary home of King Arthur.
• The Lizard Peninsula – The southernmost point in mainland UK.

Hidden Gems:

• Kynance Cove – Tidal pools and epic views.
• Boscastle – A charming village with a mysterious witchcraft museum.

Where to Eat:

• Porthminster Beach Cafe (St Ives) – Fine dining, beach vibes.
• The Hidden Hut (Porthcurnick Beach) – Simple but sensational.

Handy Planning Tips for Your UK Campervan Trip

Best Time of Year for a UK Road Trip

Spring (March–May): Wildflowers, lambs, fewer crowds.

Summer (June–August): Long days, festivals, but book campsites early.

Autumn (September–November): Stunning colours, quieter roads.

Winter (December–February): Cosy pub nights, fewer tourists – just make sure your van has heating!

How to Plan Your Route

• Mix scenic driving with real downtime.
• Use Google Maps to plot a general direction, but leave room for diversions.
• Fuel and food stops: Rural areas often have fewer options, so plan accordingly.
• Paper maps are great for backup!

What to Pack for a UK Campervan Trip

• Essentials: Bedding, cooking gear, levelling ramps.
• Nice-to-haves: Solar lights, portable BBQ, deck chairs.
• Seasonal: Rain gear, sunscreen, hot water bottles, wellies.

Top Campervan Apps & Tools

• Park4Night / Searchforsites: For campsites and wild spots.
• Komoot / OS Maps: Hiking and biking trails.
• Google Maps (offline): Essential for no-signal zones.

Rainy Day Ideas

• Cosy up with a book or board game in your van.
• Visit local museums, quirky shops, or historic pubs.
• Treat yourself to a spa or hot tub campsite.

Top Safety Tips for Driving During A UK Road Trip

• Drive on the left!
• Country lanes = caution: watch for tractors, animals, and walkers.
• Speed limits are in mph; check signs regularly.
• Always have an emergency kit: torch, blanket, jumper leads.
• Check campervan size and height, especially at bridges and carparks.
• Watch out for opening doors in high winds.
• Campers are bigger than you think! Always leave extra space.

UK Roadtrip FAQs

1. What type of campervan is best for UK road trips? A compact campervan is often ideal for UK roads – think VW Transporter or Ford Transit conversions. Many country lanes are narrow, so a smaller footprint is practical. Bigger vans can be great for more space if you’re travelling with family or more friends.

2. Do I need to book campsites in advance? In peak season, yes – particularly in Cornwall and the NC500. Shoulder seasons allow more spontaneity.

3. Can I wild camp in the UK? It’s a bit of a grey area. In Scotland, it’s generally allowed with respect. In England, Wales, and NI, it’s best to ask landowners or use apps like Park4Night for quiet, accepted spots.

4. What apps are good for campervan travel? Try Park4Night, Campercontact, and Searchforsites for places to stay. OS Maps and Komoot are great for hikes. Google Maps offline is a lifesaver too.

5. Are there any road challenges to watch out for? Definitely. Expect narrow lanes, sheep, potholes, and hairpin bends. Go slow and take it easy — half the fun is the journey!

6. How do I stay eco-friendly on the road? Use refillable water bottles, sort your recycling, and support local businesses. Solar panels, compost loos, and low-emission driving all help too.

The UK is a treasure trove for campervan adventures. Whether you’re winding through Welsh mountains, nosing around Cornish coves, or chasing northern lights in Scotland, there’s a sense of freedom that only van life can offer. Keep your route flexible, your fridge stocked, and your camera handy — and let the road lead the way.

Are you ready for your next UK road trip? Check out our full range of amazing campervans today!